Shots were blasted at a house while a gran and her 19-year-old heavily pregnant daughter were inside.

Details of one of a series of attacks in Newcastle were revealed today by the terrified homeowner, who called for the gun violence to cease.

Fortunately, no-one was hurt when a gunman fired at a rear window of the house in Kirkdale Green, Rye Hill.

But the occupant, a 50-year-old community campaigner in Newcastle's West End, said: "My nine-month-pregnant daughter was with me when the shot shattered the back window.

"I'm a grandmother and now I have had to go in hiding with my family.

"This has to stop. Woman and children have been caught up in this madness. It is getting out of hand."

The woman, who works closely with the authorities in helping to make the West End a safer community, does not want to be identified.

She spoke after the Chronicle reported the ordeal of another victim, Cheryl Carter, 27, who was injured when a hooded gunman blasted a shot through her front door in Ayton Rise, Byker, at 3.30am on Saturday, April, 24.

The second shooting happened at 10.30pm that same day.

The grandmother-of-eight, who has seven children herself, said: "We were terrified when it happened. Whoever did it climbed up over a wall and fired a sawn-off shotgun.

"My daughter has since had a baby boy, on Tuesday. We weren't able to go and see her and the child because we were too scared.

"The police are trying to get information, but need someone to come forward and give evidence. Whatever is going on, women and children should not have to suffer this."

Detectives are trying to find motives for the attacks.

Police are looking at possible links with a previous shooting in Rye Hill last month, in which David Francis, 39, suffered gunshot wounds to the chest and leg while walking his dog near his home.

A man has appeared at Newcastle Crown Court and been remanded in custody charged with attempting to murder Mr Francis.

Det Insp Lee Buzzeo, of Newcastle command area, said: "At this stage we can't say the incidents are linked but homes were targeted in each case. Ballistic tests are being carried out."

N Anyone with information about the shootings should ring police on (0191) 214 6555, ext 62413.